Jeanette Van Ginkel

Rock Valley, IA: Jeanette Van Ginkel, 90, of Rock Valley, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Whispering Heights of Rock Valley. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 6, at 1:30 PM at the Netherlands Reformed Congregation of Rock Valley with Rev. J.J. Witvoet officiating. The service can be audio-streamed at http://edge.mixlr.com/channel/rwkcn. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery of Rock Valley. Visitation, with the family present, will be held Monday, May 5, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Porter Funeral Home of Rock Valley.

   Jeanette Van Ginkel, daughter of Henry and Gertie (Fluit) Van Voorst, was born February 3, 1935, near Hull, Iowa. She was the oldest of 11 children. Jeanette was united in marriage with John Van Ginkel on February 8, 1957, at the Netherlands Reformed Church in Sioux Center, Iowa. The couple farmed by Inwood, Iowa for 43 years before moving to Rock Valley, Iowa in 2000. Together they moved into Whispering Heights in Rock Valley in December of 2023.

   Family was the heart of Jeanette’s life. She poured herself into the care of her children with quiet strength and deep devotion. In particular, she dedicated many years to the loving and selfless care of their son, Glenn, after he was injured in a childhood farm accident.

   Jeanette’s life was a beautiful testament to love and sacrifice. She leaves behind a lasting gift of strong family bonds and cherished memories that will continue to bless the generations who follow her.

   Jeanette is survived by her husband of 68 years, John; 5 sons, Henry Van Ginkel, Rallyn (Deborah) Van Ginkel, James (Bonnie) Van Ginkel, Timothy (Kelly) Van Ginkel, and Daniel (Michele) Van Ginkel; 5 daughters, Ellen (Vern) Van Beek, Jelaine (Kent) Schelling, Laura (Harlen) Van Beek, Karen (Randall) Van Beek, and LeAnn (Mark) Wynia; 54 grandchildren; 99 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Teunis (Jacqi) Van Voorst and Henry Van Voorst; 4 sisters, Cynthia Amick, Mary Driesen, Joann Driesen and Ruth (Jake) Anker; 2 sisters-in-law, Shirley Van Voorst and Joyce Van Voorst; and brother-in-law, John Van Beek Jr.

   She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Gertie Van Voorst; infant daughter, Leah Van Ginkel; son, Glenn Van Ginkel; 2 granddaughters, Julie Van Ginkel and Marissa Wynia; great-grandson, Levi Wynia; 4 brothers, Jake, Clarence, Gerald, and John Van Voorst; parents-in-law, Ralph and Effie (Maassen) Van Ginkel; 7 sisters-in-law; and 6 brothers-in-law.